Hi there all, Just to say that it's good to know that there is a over 40's crowd My partner and I are both in our early 40's and going through the same as many on here, it's reasuring to know that we aren't the only ones. We love the boards of information and if any of you have any good tips for us to help in anyway then we would love to here from you. We are going for our second round of IVF in august and are really worried that it won't work again.Looking forward to any advice you may have.karen and rick xx

Mamaboo: Thank you for the reassurance! I appreciate it, really. Some days I am a wreck and really need the encouragement, other days I am better able to cope and think positively. The more positive stories I hear the better!

Karen: Welcome!! Yes, these boards are really a wealth of information. The "IVF" section is a lot more active and you may want to join in on the summer group over there in addition to posting over here. I would be happy to offer you any suggestions/tips. Can you tell me about your issues? Your age? Are you using your eggs or donor eggs? Male issues? How did your first IVF round go and what protocol did you use? Do you have older children? Do you like your RE?

As you can see from my siggie, I have been through lots--I have tried different protocols, different REs, different supplements, etc. We chose to pursue with my own eggs, perhaps if we had used donor eggs we would have had success earlier, but it was our decision to try to push with my eggs since I was responding well. Everyone is different.

Again! Welcome...and I will be happy to offer any suggestions--most importantly, stay positive!!

Hi Mary, and thank you for the encouragement too. My situation is I have 2 older children 24 & 25yrs old from my first marriage ( I had them pretty young) We have found out that my tubes were cut(leaving an inch gap in them ) and sealed, I had both my kids by c-section. When we went for Ivf, we went to India though, we found this clinic through a very good friend of ours that lives out there( we visit them twice a year) and used one of the top clinics in northern india all went very well, they were really happy with me and our results we had 8 of my own eggs collected and with 1 embryo transfered I carried for approx 6/7 weeks. I did everything that i was told to do, but have since found out that the meds they gave me to take after transfer was only for 10days, apparently we are suppose to take them for longer. We are going to go another cycle in august and are just trying to improve our odds, we would like to find out just how long after transfer we should keep taking our meds and what is the best ones to take, also if there's anything my partner could do to improve his sperm count (even though his results are good)The laungage barrier was a bit hard to understand but through our friends I just did what she translated to me and had my meds and injections, I had progesterone gel after transfer is that safe to have do you know.The only thing I did was quit smoking, eat healthy and took Pregnacare original daily to boost my system, as I'd heard it was good for you. I am trying to stay positive and look forward to speaking to you again very soon. Hope that you are ok too.karen x

Karen: Wow...India...that is really cool. We almost went abroad to Israel, but the month I found out that our insurance cap was lifted and we were able to afford to cycle here. My first question is why only a SET (single embryo transfer)? Is that a rule/regulation in India or was that your choice? I don't know your age, but assuming you are over 40 (hence being in the over 40 crowd, and having 2 grown children) that seems unusual. Did you do a 3 day transfer or a 5 day? Did you have any frosties? (frozen embryos) left over from your 8? 8 is a great # of embryos for our age..it is what I ended up with as well.

Regarding things to boost you and DH ahead of time. I took COQ10, Maca Root and DHEA for a few months before my most recent and successful cycle. My DH had adequate sperm count and motility, but I still had him take some COQ10 since it is suggested that it can help boost sperm count. I also did acupuncture and found it to be very relaxing. I also did it right after ET (transfer).

I also made some subtle dietary changes. It sounds like you have already as well. Keep up with the prenatals! I don’t know if you’ve seen this interesting article from a Harvard study, but I found it very interesting because not all of it is intuitive. As a result I tried to have more plant protein in my diet, and ate one full serving of FULL fat dairy (ice cream, cheese, or yogurt). http://www.newsweek.com/2007/12/01/fat- ... ption.html

We did assisted hatching (greatly recommended for over 40) and also something called co-culture that not many clinics offer. It puts some of the endometrium tissue in the “dish” with the growing embryos.

Regarding luteal support, it certainly sounds like they went very minimally with you, which I would discuss with them, or with an OB here--after retrieval I took progesterone (vaginally and orally for 8 weeks after transfer--but that can depend on your levels), estradiol, “baby” aspirin, Claritin, Z-pac and Medrol (I think that was because of the assisted hatching).

Oh! I also listened to guided relaxation mp3’s specific to IVF. I found them really helpful--the ones I used had different tracks depending on where you are in the process (I used Anjionline.com).

I hope that some of this is helpful to you....it is just the things I decided to do. Everyone is different in what they feel comfortable with and what makes sense to them. I wish you the best of luck!!!

Still feeling a bit down and not really sure when we should try for the FET.I don't know why this BFN has hit me especially hard this time round and I guessI'm still working up the courage to try again.

Yasmina, thanks for the kind words, it's much appreciated.

Margi, it's so exciting that you can feel them move now !! Yay ! take good care and rest up.

Jan: Sorry that you are still down about the BFN....they really stink. I say move ahead when it feels right to you and DH. Some folks need time between cycles to feel ready others prefer to jump back in right away, but neither is "right" you have to do what is best for you and your heart. We are all here to support you when you are ready.

Last edited by margi26 on Sun Jul 17, 2011 3:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Greetings Ladies! I've been MIA for a couple of months. Long story for later.

Margi-hang in there. I'm so happy for you.

Jan-Sorry to read about your BFN. Like Margi said it really stinks.

A big shout out to Yasmina, Tammy, Caroline....yes I still lurk here as well. Hope you all are doing well.

AFM-quick update-still looking for employment. DE/IVF on hold indefinitely--economy sucks. Still praying for another wee one to enter ourlives--still trying to keep to the healthy diet and supplements, added royal jelly to the regimen. In the middle of Gaelic football season, a nice distraction from all this. DH doing well and still employed DD still continually impresses and entertains us on a daily basis

Wishing all the women here much success and happiness within their lives.

Hi Everyone, yes, I am still here, but soon I will be 49 and feeling out dated since we are done with baby making. Just read few posts and wanted to share that co-culture idea was a great one. Embryos should grow much better with the support of endometrium! This definitely is a leap forward to the ivf world. Wish every one luck.

Catharine, yes, I come back from time to time, so glad this site contiune to thrive. Technolgy is improving, I remain to be optmistic for us. We have been to many baby parties lately and often feel very jealous of those fertile parents. Just to provide you a perspective: baby longing is endless in my heart. We are so lucky to get two wonderful ivf babies, but I wish I didnot have to go through the ivf to get them.

Everyone else, hope that things are going well with you wherever you are in your ttc journey.

AFM: I have made it to the 28 week mark and feel like I can now sigh some relief. Of course I plan on baking these LO's for another 9/10 weeks if I can, but it is reassuring to make it to this point. The pregnancy has been really difficult and filled with worry, but i am now starting to "enjoy" it...just as some of the most difficult physical symptoms are hitting me hard. LOL. Oh, well. I know how blessed I am and that I will be so enthralled when I finally do meet my LO's. We didn't do CVS, or amnio, but every indication from bloodwork and the tons of u/s (every 2 weeks) indicates that they appear to be healthy and well with good amniotic fluid, HB's, anatomy measurements, etc. We had extensive look at their hearts a few weeks ago at MFM and it is amazing how much they can tell so early. My hematoma has gotten progressively smaller and more thin--I haven't had any bleeding in almost 2 months now, so OB and MFM both feel we shouldn't have any problems from it at this point. Starting to get nervous as the reality of these LO's coming home sets in. Getting things ready. Wow. There is a lot to do in these last couple months! And I am utterly exhausted, swollen, huge, etc. already!

Just dropped by to see how everyones doing, it's so quiet in here, hope everybody is doing well.

Margi, I'm so excited for you, from your last post, looks like everything's going well take good care, pretty soon you'll be holding your LO's in your arms.

Just a quick update on myself, I've decided to do my FET in december....it's taken me 3 mths toget over the last BFN....but I'm back now, feeling a lot better. I've gone back to seeing my chinese doc, drinking herbs and acupuncture and I've already noticedan improvement in my periods. So by december, my lining should be good and ready.

Hubby and I have also started the process of adoption, and we are both really excited about it.

mrscutter, I do know of two ladies that got pregnant in the mid-40's, can't remember they're exactages and both were "accidents"....so it does happen.

i am new to the forum and 46 and single. just did IVF with 2 "excellent" quality DE and have 10 more days until I get my beta. I am worried because I am older although the RE says it doesnt matter with DE. It must right? also anyone had kind of cramping of bloating. I feel like i am gonna have my period any second. I am only on two medications estrogen and pregeserone. Anyone have success with this? so far i am only momma to a bunch of furry animals but I am so praying......thanks